My beautiful big sister, Katie, would have been celebrating her 40th birthday this week, but on Tuesday night she died in St Luke's hospice. In her memory we will be taking part in the St Luke's Night Strider, walking a half marathon through Sheffield next Saturday night.

Katie spent the last two and a half weeks of her life in St Luke's and it is the most amazing place. Nothing like a hospital, it is calm, quiet, relaxed and so welcoming. Katie had a lovely room and nothing was too much trouble. Fancy a halloumi salad that's not on the menu? Sure! A jacuzzi bath with twinkling stars above? You got it! The staff did everything they could to make the last days of her life as good as they could be, and for that we will be eternally grateful.

Twelve weeks ago Katie was at work in her beloved job as a midwife, swimming 100 lengths twice a week and juggling a busy family life with her two boys. Life can be unexpected and none of us knows what is around the corner.  St Luke's is there for everyone, people like Katie whose lives have been turned upside down and makes them feel like they are special, and that someone cares, and understands. It's hard to explain what a difference that made.

Team Katie is Emily (Katie's sister) and her fantastic friends Laura, Jo, Emma and Lucy.

Please give all that you can to support St Luke's because they were there for us when we needed them.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.